Hidden Joy Online Bible/Book Study

Drawing from her book, Hidden Joy, Wendy shares her incredible journey of healing and restoration after being assaulted by a man hiding in her apartment. Her story is an amazing testimony of God’s strength in our weakness, His hope in our hopelessness, and His healing in our brokenness. Through this study with Wendy you will:

1. Apply God’s Word in a way that makes it relevant and applicable to your every day circumstances.

First, Happy Memorial Day! I grew up an Army brat, so this day always holds a special place in my heart. If you serve in the military, are married to someone in the military, or have lost a loved one through military service, we offer prayers on your behalf today. We are so thankful for the men and women who selflessly serve our country so that we may enjoy the freedom we have in America. Praying you experience an extra measure of God’s love, mercy and grace today.

It’s hard to believe Week Eight has arrived. My heart always feels a heavy sadness when an on-line study ends. Thank you for your faithfulness to read, study, and pray each and every week. How I will miss meeting with you each Monday, so please continue to stop by and visit.

Thank you again to Noelle and her boot camp team for Hidden Joy books. I will sign each of your books. I told Noelle I would go into the office tomorrow (Tuesday) to sign them but forgot that I am flying to Nashville, Tennessee tomorrow. So I hope you girls are fine with waiting a few extra days for your books. I will sign them upon my return, and we will get them in the mail to you.

This week we spend time in Chapters Ten and Eleven, and the word for the week is ABIDING. Spend time this week doing just that…abiding in Christ. Find time to sit with Jesus and soak up all that He has for you. Give Him a part of each day and listen for His voice. Bring Him your questions, your doubts, your hurts…your deepest desires. As you do, know I will be praying for the Lord to minister to each of you personally through His Word and His Holy Spirit.

I also invite you this week to leave a comment and/or prayer for my dear friend, Bobbie, who you will read about in Chapter Eleven. I share her story on my video message. She and her husband, Robert, are the reason you hold Hidden Joy in your hands today. Bobbie learned just a few months ago that she had cancer. Below is a picture of Bobbie not long after her diagnosis. Notice her hands lifted, eyes gazing toward heaven, praising her Father in heaven. Her words to her husband were “You know, nothing has changed. Our calling is still the same…To trust God, to love people and to grow in godliness.” Her love for Jesus truly inspires me each and every day.

Thank you for blessing Bobbie this week with messages of affirmation and encouragement. Also, as always, please continue to share your thoughts on your homework and your abiding time experiences. From your comments this week, I will choose one name to win a signed copy of Marilynn Chadwick’s book, Sometimes He Whispers, Sometimes He Roars.

Below please find this week’s video lesson, assignment, and prayer.

Assignment: Read Chapters Ten and Eleven in Hidden Joy, “Abiding in Christ” and “A New Song.” Complete the Guide for Reflection and Study questions for Chapters Ten and Eleven located in the back of the book.

Memory Verse: “I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put the trust in the Lord.”

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the words of Truth You have revealed to me over these last several weeks. Take them, plant them deep within my heart, let them take root and flourish within me. Bring Your transforming power into my life. Heal me. Restore me. From this day forward, give me eyes and ears to see and hear all that You desire to teach me. Give me an understanding heart. Help me to trust You in all your ways. I give You total access to my heart, the heart You created and specially formed within me. Bring the fullness of Your Spirit into my life; shine the Light of Your Word into my darkness. Come and meet me each and ever day as I commit to spend more time with You. I love You, Lord and ask all this in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, my Lord. Amen.

Please know I will be praying for you throughout the week, and I look forward to hearing from you!!